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The UK Scout Network Scouts of the World Award LeadApplicant Information Pack

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About Us 3

Our strategic plan 4

Team UK structure 7

The programme (delivery) team 8

The role 9

Person specification 11

How to apply 13

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About us Overview of ScoutingWe are the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering 6 to 25 year olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities.

Scouts helps children and young adults reach their full potential. Our members gain valuable skills for life including teamwork, time management, leadership, initiative, planning, communication, self-motivation, cultural awareness and commitment. We help young people to get jobs, save lives and even change the world.

What do Scouts do?Scouts take part in a wide range of activities as diverse as kayaking, abseiling, expeditions overseas, photography, climbing and zorbing. As a Scout you can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming or even how to fly a plane. There’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world

What do volunteers do?This everyday adventure is only possible thanks to our team of adult volunteers, who support Scouts in a wide range of roles from working directly with young people, to helping manage a local community based Group, to being a charity Trustee. We help volunteers get the most out of their experiences at Scouts by providing opportunities for adventure, training, fun and friendship.

Our award winning training scheme for volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouts as young people. Our approach focuses on what you want to get out of volunteering with Scouts, while respecting how much time you can offer. Over 90% of Scout volunteers say that their skills and experiences have been useful in their work or personal life.

Key facts and figuresThe Scouts is a UK charity founded in 1907 and now boasts a membership of over 620,000 young people and adult leaders. We are the largest mixed youth movement in the UK. Scouting activity is delivered through 7,000-plus community based Scout Groups nationwide.

Scouting is widely recognised and is one of the most trusted charities in the UK, giving it a significant level of influence and responsibility. Scouting’s greatest strength lies in its grass roots. It is locally that Scouting is best able to identify and work directly with young people most in need.

We believe that through the everyday adventure of Scouting, young people and adult volunteers regularly experience new challenges that enrich and change their lives.

The current focus for the Trustees and those in Scouting in the UK is delivering our strategic vision.

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Our strategyA new strategic plan for Scouting across the UK is currently underway and secures strategic direction through to 2023. Team UK (the team of commissioners that leads Scouting across the UK) plays a key part in leading the delivery of this strategy. More details on the work towards our new plan are available at www.scouts.org.uk/ourplan

By 2023 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme. We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities

Further information on our strategic objectives are provided on our website at www.scouts.org.uk/ourplan

Scouting’s fundamentalsOur missionScouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Our valuesAs Scouts, we are guided by these values:

Integrity. We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal

Respect. We have self-respect and respect for others.

Care. We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

Belief. We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

Co-operation. We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.

Our methodsScouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

enjoy what they are doing and have fun; take part in activities indoors and outdoors; learn by doing; share in spiritual reflection; take responsibility and make choices; undertake new and challenging activities; and make and live by their Promise.

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Further information on our fundamentals, including details of our values, are provided on our website at http://scouts.org.uk/about-us/key-policies/fundamentals-of-scouting/

Scouting’s key policiesIn common with all members in Scouting, the UK Scout Network (UKSN) Scouts of the World Award Lead is required to promote and follow our key policies. The policies cover:

Child ProtectionThe Scout Association acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and The Charity Commission requirements. 

Equal OpportunitiesThe Scout Association is part of a worldwide educational youth movement. The values, which underpin and inspire its work are embodied in the Scout Promise and Law and in the Purpose of the Association.

Within this framework, the Association is committed to equality of opportunity for all young people

ReligionThe Scout Movement includes Members of many different faiths and religions as well as those with no formal religion. Our Religious Policy has received the approval of the heads of the leading religious bodies in the United Kingdom.

SafetyIt is the policy of The Scout Association to provide Scouting in a safe manner without risk to health, so far as is reasonably practicable.

The Association believes that this responsibility ranks equally with the other responsibilities incumbent upon those providing Scouting activities and functions.

DataThe Scout Association’s commitment to protecting privacy and data protection has been adopted as a key policy for Scouting. This key policy underpins both this Data Protection Policy and other associated policies used by The Scout Association, local Scouting and its membership. It is important to note that as Data Controllers, local Scout Groups, Districts, Counties/Areas/Regions and Countries are directly responsible for any personal data they process and must therefore ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities under the law.

Development policySubject to the Rules governing age ranges and mixed membership the Scout Movement is open to all young people of whatever background.

The Scout Association recognises, however, that access to Scouting is not equally available to all groups and communities across society as a whole.

These policies are fully explained on our website at http://scouts.org.uk/about-us/key-policies/

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The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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Our strategic plan By 2023 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders who deliver an inspiring programme. We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.

Society is changing. In often fragmented communities, the pressures and expectations on young people are increasing. The future is uncertain. Scouts has never been so important in helping young people prepare for the future, developing the skills they need to succeed in a changing world. Each week almost half a million young people enjoy fun, friendship and outdoor adventure. They develop a sense of optimism and strong values as well as the leadership and team working skills that are more valuable today than ever.

Our movement achieves remarkable things. We have continued to grow for 13 consecutive years. Our previous plan, Scouting for All, inspired new Groups and sections to start in an additional 834 areas of deprivation since 2013. We now help over 462,000 young people aged 6-18 (including 102,000 girls) get the best possible start in life. Our social action campaign, A Million Hands, has enabled over 200,000 young people to make a positive contribution in their local communities.

Now we want to go further. Skills for Life is a strategy that supports and empowers our volunteers who are the people that make Scouts a reality. It’s a strategy to bring communities together and contribute towards a better society. But most of all, it’s a strategy for young people. They deserve the best skills, the best support, and the best possible futures.

‘I believe that Scouts empowers young people. It gives them skills to achieve the remarkable, and opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the rapidly changing world.’ Tim Kidd, UK Chief Commissioner

The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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Team UK structure

The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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The Programme (Delivery) Team

The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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The roleOverview of the role of the UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead The Scouts of the World Award (SOWA) Lead is an important role, offering support to the Head of UK Scout Network and their team to ensure that all members of Scout Network have access to a comprehensive range of activities and opportunities to engage with and succeed in achieving their award.

The Scouts of the World Award is a Scout Network-only award that gives Scout Network members the chance to undertake a project of their choice within the themes of Peace, Environment and Sustainability and take action on their chosen issue. The outcome of SOWA for the participant is:

to play an active role as a global citizen in society

to advance on their personal development journey

to increase their understanding of global issues

More information on SOWA can be found at https://members.scouts.org.uk/sowa.

The SOWA Lead works in partnership with the Head of UK Scout Network to champion the award across the country and to provide support in the local delivery of SOWA. The keys outcomes of this role are that:

SOWA is recognised as a Top Award.

Members understand how to access support, and feel supported.

All Counties have considered SOWA in their Scout Network programme strategy, and the delivery of the Award locally is supported by high quality Trainers and Mentors.

More members are engaging with, and completing, the award.

To deliver these key outcomes well the SOWA Lead must establish great working relationships with the Assistant County/Country Commissioners Scout Network across the UK and with the UKSN Media Lead, working with them and other Scout Network support roles to actively champion and support members and volunteers with SOWA, helping counties to provide excellent opportunities for Discoveries, as well as supporting County teams to successfully implement the SOWA method.

Role descriptionVolunteer line manager: Head of UK Scout Network

Main internal contacts: Assistant County Commissioners (Scout Network), Assistant Country Commissioners (Scout Network), SOWA Trainers and Mentors, and Scout Network Members, UK Commissioner for Programme (Delivery), UK Commissioner for Programme (Assurance)

Other internal contacts: County Commissioners, District Scout Network Commissioners, other volunteers supporting/managing Scout Network, staff within the Member Support Team at UK Headquarters.

Key tasks: – Support SOWA Trainers to deliver high quality Discoveries (residential weekends that form part of the Award programme) across the UK.

– Support Headquarters to develop a training strategy for new SOWA Trainers, and facilitate the delivery of the training.

– Support local volunteers to implement the SOWA local delivery model.

The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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– Champion changes to SOWA, through positive and inspiring engagement with adult volunteers.

– Monitor, review and assess the quality of participants’ experience through the SOWA using appropriate methods (peer review, one-to-one or group discussions, self-evaluation, etc.)

– Keep up-to-date on Award developments through WOSM, web site, local networks and through conferences, courses and training events.

– Maintain appropriate national records of the SOWA operation for UKSN in partnership with counties and countries.

– Promote SOWA through social media, email communication and at various meetings/events; engaging at a Country/County level and with Members.

– Attend and play an active part in UKSN meetings as part of the team, contributing to discussions, providing specific input where required as related to SOWA.

Time commitment: On average, six weekends (or part weekends) per year

In addition, between three and five hours a week to manage emails and telephone calls.

Terms of appointment: The term of appointment is subject to agreement between the role-holder and the line manager for an initial term of up to three years (subject to annual review with the Head of UK Scout Network), with the potential for reappointment for a further period of time.

This is a voluntary leadership role and is unremunerated, however, reasonable expenses in line with the Association’s Expenses Policy will be paid.

Person specificationSkills and abilities:

Ability to identify practical actions to achieve strategic objectives and manage change.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Ability to speak and present publicly in a clear, articulate and motivating way.

Ability to listen to others and counsel when necessary.

Ability to be assertive and cope with challenging situations.

Ability to use technology, especially mobile email, to carry out a range of tasks (confident in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Ability to quickly assimilate a broad overall knowledge of Scouting’s policies and structures.

Ability and willingness to undertake the appropriate adult training requirements.

Knowledge and experience: Experience of supporting adults across a wide geographical area and from various backgrounds.

Experience of change management, preferably in a volunteer environment.

Personal qualities:

The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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Approachable at all reasonable times.

Self-motivated.

Flexible approach.

Resourceful, energetic and enthusiastic about the role and of Scout Network.

Commitment to The Scout’s Fundamentals.

Sufficient time available for the role, including mid-week and weekend engagements, sometimes including travel.

No envisaged barriers to obtaining enhanced disclosure.

Induction and training for the roleIn common with all national appointments, the successful candidate will be assigned a Headquarters Training Adviser and is expected to undertake a Wood Badge appropriate to this role (in this case Section Adviser training), as part of our manager and supporter training scheme.

Induction for this role will be delivered through a meeting with the Head of UK Scout Network.

Key ContactsHead of UK Scout NetworkThe Head of UK Scout Network is the lead volunteer responsible for the strategic development UK Scout Network and for championing and supporting the delivery of Scout Network across the Country. The Head of UK Scout Network leads the UK Scout Network Team (of which the SOWA Lead will be part of) that will initiate, implement, promote and evaluate projects that are geared towards participation in the three Programme areas and/or attainment of awards and will make these projects available to all Members of the Scout Network, including those in Districts.

Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network)The Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network) is part of the County team, working in partnership with the County Commissioner to ensure effective operation of the Scout Network section in their County, in accordance with the Purpose, Principles and Policies of The Scout Association. The Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network) supports District Scout Network Commissioners to deliver a quality Scout Network Programme across the County, encouraging and supporting members to gain activity permits and to undertake awards particularly including the Diamond Chief Scout’s Award, the Queen’s Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Scouts of the World Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

The Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network) is to be part of the assessment panel that attend the presentation and has sign off for the award locally.

SOWA TrainersTrainers are an essential part of the Scouts of the World Award journey. Across the UK there are a number of people trained in delivering the Scouts of the World Award. Scouts of the World Award trainers are required to deliver a minimum of two discovery events a year within your local area. The Trainers will assign participants with a mentor after the Discovery event.

SOWA MentorsScouts of the World Award mentors are people who support young adults in achieving their Scouts of the World Award. They will be allocated Scout Network members to mentor during their Scouts of the World Award project. This role would be on-going and could be done alongside other roles in a similar way to training advisers.

The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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Next steps and how to apply The process of making an application for the role is undertaken by way of completing the attached application form. Once this form is submitted to ukscout.network@scouts.org.uk, the application will be reviewed by the interview panel for suitability. Upon review a decision on whether to progress the application to interview will be made and the appllicatant will be notified.

The interview panel for this role will be chaired by Lewis Dangerfield, Head of UK Scout Network a member of the Member Support Team at UK HQ.

The interview panel for this role is keen to receive applications from a wide range of individuals who have the skills and experience to undertake the role.

When completing the form please provide as much relevant information as possible about your skills and experience, as this will assist the interview panel in considering who may be best suited for the role. Please refer to the role description and person specification to help the interview pannel understand how the applicant meets the requirements of the role. It may be helpful to include experiences outside of Scouting that are relevant to the role such as in professional or other volunteer capacities.

Further informationIf you require any further information about the role, or indeed would like an informal discussion about it, please contact Lewis Dangerfield via lewis.dangerfield@scouts.org.uk.

Application deadlineCompleted applications and nominations should be made by 9am on Monday 4 November.

Interviews for shortlisted candidatesWeek commencing 25 November by Skype or conference call.

The UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead Applicant Information Pack

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Application formWhen completed, please return this form to the UKSN Team at ukscout.network@scouts.org.uk.

Role Title UKSN SOWA Lead Region National

SECTION A – PERSONAL DETAILS

Name Membership number

Address

Postcode

Daytime Phone Number Evening Phone Number Mobile Phone Number

Email Address

SECTION B – RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS

How do you believe you meet the person specification? Please try to cover all points, outlining how you meet each of them.

SECTION C – PERSONAL STATEMENT

Please explain why you would like to become the UKSN Scouts of the World Award Lead